Parade participants express shock in Midland, Texas, after a trailer carrying wounded veterans and their spouses was struck by a train heading for a banquet. The train sounded its horn before it hit the float, a Union Pacific spokesman said.

Photo: James Durbin, Associated Press

Parade participants express shock in Midland, Texas, after a...

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Midland police, fire and sheriffs respond to an accident where a trailer carrying veterans in a parade was struck by a train crossing in Midland, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012. "Show of Support" president and founder Terry Johnson tells the Midland Reporter-Telegram that a Union Pacific train slammed into the trailer that was on its way to a wounded veterans event, resulting in multiple injuries. (AP Photo/Reporter-Telegram, Tim Fischer)

A freight train slammed into a parade float carrying wounded veterans in Midland, Texas, on Thursday, killing four people and injuring 17 others as the float drove through a West Texas railroad crossing on its way to an honorary banquet, authorities said.

The eastbound train was sounding its horn before it hit the float, Union Pacific spokesman Tom Lange said. A preliminary investigation indicates the crossing gate and lights were working at the time, Lange said, though he didn't know if the train crew saw the float approaching.

"It was pandemonium at the point of impact. Some (of the veterans) tried to jump and protect each other, their girlfriends and their wives," Painter said.

Two people died at the scene of the crash, while two others died at Midland Memorial Hospital, City of Midland spokesman Ryan Stout said. Seven of those injured were in critical condition, while the 10 others were in stable condition, he said.

"There is going to be a very thorough investigation," Lange said. "It's obviously a very tragic incident."

Photos of the float taken during the parade show about two dozen people seated in chairs set up on the back of a flatbed tractor-trailer decorated with American flags and signs identifying each veteran. A banner across the truck's front bumper reads, "Heroes on Board."

The float was among two flatbed trucks carrying veterans and their spouses, police said. The first truck safely crossed the railroad tracks, but the second truck's trailer was hit by the train. Police said some of the people on the second trailer were able to evacuate before the crash.

Lange said Union Pacific is offering help to the community and victims' families, as well as peer-to-peer counseling for the train crew, who did not sustain any injuries.